More Than Human

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With nanotechnology medicine could evolve from treating disease to a practice that is predictive, personalized and preemptive.

Here again, nanotechnology is promoted as an enabling technology. Nano devices can provide a way to automate routine laboratory tests. They can deliver active treatment directly to affected cells, and that means fewer side effects with increased efficiency. Dr. Chad Mirkin is the Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University and he shows how with the new diagnostic devices a single sample allows doctors to do multiple tests. At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard, we learn how nano devices can be used to destroy specific cancer cells. Through nanotechnology, the practice of medicine is evolving from treating disease and illness to a practice that is predictive, personalized, and preemptive.

There is a medical future where permanent nano-devices can roam the body to monitor, and provide early diagnosis and take action against diseases. Nanotechnology is a powerful tool for advancing tissue engineering and stem cell therapy. Significant results have been obtained in creating artificial functioning interfaces between nerve fibers and electronic contact electrodes. This opens the way to control prosthetics and all kinds of implants.

'More than Human presents the ways in which nanotechnology can transform medicine, as well as the upshot that it will have for human enhancement. Focusing on near- and mid-term applications, it offers a sober assessment of where the technology will take us in coming decades. The disc also engages the social and ethical implications of these applications and serves as a wonderful instructional resource.' Dr. Fritz Allhoff, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Western Michigan University, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, Australian National University, Author, What Is Nanotechnology and Why Does It Matter: From Science to Ethics

'This inspirational and clever series should be used in every introductory chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science class at the college level, not to mention a wide range of classes in various engineering disciplines. In addition, they are wonderfully appropriate for social science classes that look at the interaction of society and technology...Exceptionally well done. Bravo!' Michael Hochella, Professor of Geosciences, Director of Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

'Nanotechnology has become one of the most exciting areas of research today, attracting many of our most creative scientists and engineers...Yet as with any new technology, there will be trade-offs and unanticipated hazards. As this imaginative and informative film series makes clear, society must grapple with the potential risks as well as the rewards to come from this burgeoning field.' David Kaiser, Department Head, Program in Science, Technology, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Author, How the Hippies Saved Physics

'Each video highlights career choices in the currently numerous, wide-open fields within the broad scope of nanotechnology and also points out some of the possible dangers and other issues in using nanotechnology. For teachers looking to excite students about the possibilities of science, the series either individually or collectively is a winner...A great addition to the classroom tool box...With the provocative ideas in each video, they have good springboard ideas for discussions or writing prompts...The series demonstrates a great way to integrate science with life. There are no easy answers in the videos, but a weighing of options is suggested.' Steve Canipe, NSTA Recommends

'The Nano Revolution does an excellent job of explaining nanotechnology, as it applies to specific topics, through interviewing nano-scientists working on the cutting edge inventions...Each chapter concludes with a dramatization on how a future society that uses the applications of nanotechnology might look. This does not detract from the scientific research discussed-rather it allows the viewer to imagine the many possible ways that the nanotechnology can be used and think about the potential risks. The Nano Revolution is highly recommended for anyone interested in nanotechnology. It will work very well as an introduction to nanotechnology in senior high school to college level science or engineering courses.' Angela R Davis, The Pennsylvania State University, Educational Media Reviews Online

'The Nano Revolution captivatingly explores the impact of nanotechnology on urban living...Despite the context of a very subjective future reality, attempts to evenly present both positive and negative potentials are clear. This title is particularly recommended for high school, technical school, and community college collections.' Vincent Livoti, University of Maine, School Library Journal

'Outstanding...This intense, rapidly moving, and highly engaging film would be a good resource in a high school or college biology class. The explanations are clear, and many of the techniques are demonstrated by the scientists who developed them...After viewing [More Than Human], students may wish to discuss what they have observed, such as the interaction between science and business in research, predictions of possible applications of medical nanotechnology in their lifetimes, the ethics of keeping people alive almost indefinitely by rebuilding their bodies, and even career possibilities.' Richard Lord, Jr., The American Biology Teacher